Coverage of the Frisco RoughRiders from Dr Pepper Ballpark

Former RoughRiders Make Major League Debuts

RoughRiders’ alum Robbie Ross recently won the distinction of having the favorite opening week photo as voted by the fans. On April 18, the Texas Rangers posted the photo poll on their Facebook page. Ross had some stiff competition. Fans could vote for Mitch Moreland talking to Michael Young in the dugout, Josh Hamilton sliding into home plate, Elvis Andrus making a catch over the shoulder, or Robbie Ross making his rookie trot out to the bullpen complete in cowboy gear riding a stick horse. Almost 2,000 votes were cast and Ross won with 35 percent of the vote followed by Hamilton, Andrus, and Moreland and Young.

The rookie has had a stellar season so far in the “Bigs.” He made his major league debut on April 8 this year after earning a spot in the Rangers bullpen during spring training. Ross has a record of four wins and no losses in six appearances, a new MLB record. The ninth-youngest player currently has the most wins and the best win-loss percentage in the American League.

Ross spent most of the 2011 season in High-A Myrtle Beach before making his Frisco debut last August against the Midland Rockhounds. He made six appearances for Frisco ending with a record of one win and one loss. Over the course of 38 innings, he had a 2.61 ERA striking out 36 batters. Ross performed well throughout 2012 Spring Training and earned a spot in the Rangers’ bullpen.

Former RoughRiders pitcher Joe Wieland, who also spent part of 2011 in Frisco, began the 2012 season in Tucson before being called up by the San Diego Padres. He made his major league debut on April 14, 2012 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He continues to be a vital part of the Padres pitching staff.

Joe Wieland began the 2011 season with Ross in High-A Myrtle Beach and was promoted to Frisco in June. During his time with the RoughRiders Wieland posted a record of four wins and no losses, including a no hitter against the San Antonio Missions who would become his teammates after being sent to the San Diego Padres organization as part of the Mike Adams trade. Wieland spent the beginning of the 2012 season in Triple-A Tucson before getting the call to join the Padres in the Bigs.

The future looks bright for these former RoughRiders pitchers as they continue their quest for perfection.

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